Release Detail

September 19, 2002 - Pennsylvania Voters Back Gambling To Cut Taxes
Quinnipiac University Poll Finds;
Property Tax Is Important In Legislative Races

By a 56 - 35 percent margin Pennsylvania voters back a plan by Ed Rendell, the Democratic
candidate for Governor, to put slot machines at race tracks and use the revenues to pay for
schools, according to Quinnipiac University's poll released today.

By a similar 56 - 36 percent margin, voters support legalized river boat gaming in
Pennsylvania, responding to a question which does not name a candidate or specify exactly
where the money would go.

A state legislative candidate's position on property tax reform is the most important
issue in this year's election, 17 percent of voters say, while 62 percent say it is an important
issue along with other issues.

"By a slim majority, Pennsylvania voters say riverboat gambling and slot machines at
race tracks are acceptable ways to raise state revenue, but there is no great enthusiasm for the
gambling measures," said Clay F. Richards, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University
Polling Institute.

"An overwhelming 80 percent of the voters say they will have property tax reform on
their mind when they go to vote for a new state legislature this November, with 17 percent
saying it's the most important issue in the campaign. That 17 percent doesn't seem like much,
but it's bigger than the margin of victory in most elections.

"While most Pennsylvania voters clearly want property tax reform, they are divided
over whether it should be done by the current special session - 46 percent - or be delayed
until a new governor is elected - 42 percent," Richards added.

A proposal by Gov. Mark Schweiker requiring a voter referendum before local school
taxes are increased by a rate higher than the cost of living gets a lukewarm 51 - 40 percent
majority.

Voter support for legalized gambling follows a July 25 poll by the independent
Quinnipiac University which showed Pennsylvania voters opposed using state income or sales
tax increases to raise more school aid funds as part of a property tax reform plan.

Support for legalized gambling is highest among Philadelphia voters, who back slot
machines at race tracks 64 - 26 percent and river boat gambling 63 - 32 percent.

From September 10 - 16, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,279 Pennsylvania
registered voters, with a margin of error of +/- 2.7 percent.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public
opinion surveys in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the nation as a
public service and for research.
For additional data -- www.quinnipiac.edu and quicklinks

16. Do you think a special session of the Pennsylvania legislature to handle
the issue of property tax reform should be held before a new governor is
elected or should it be delayed until after a new governor takes office?

18. Governor Schweiker has proposed that local school boards be required
to submit school budget increases to a public vote if the increase would
raise property taxes by more than the cost of living. Do you favor or
oppose this proposal?

19. As part of his plan to lower property taxes, Ed Rendell proposes
raising more state revenue for schools by allowing legalization of 3,000
slot machines at horse race tracks in Pennsylvania. Do you favor or oppose
this proposal?